When I was a kid, everything was magical. Probably because I didn’t understand it, but that’s not the point. The point is that I found it to be magical, wondrous and overall exciting. Every day was an adventure.
Then I grew up. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. Saying it that way makes it sound like it happened all at once, and that’s not the way it works. We just begin growing up and lose some of that magic along the way. Perhaps it’s because we gain more knowledge and understanding. The amazing becomes logical, understandable. And for some reason, something we understand is less likely to wow us. That’s tragic.
When I graduated college and went out into the “real world”, I took an enormous leap into adulthood, and I didn’t quite land squarely on my feet. I landed on one foot, on a rock, and then wobbled a little before I fell into the grass and got back up again. Unshaken by a few bumps and bruises, I took off again on a weaving and unsteady path. I got some great views from above and I ran into a few dead ends, forcing myself to turn around and go back. I even landed in a few rivers and ravines. Overall, not a bad trip. Not sure I would repeat certain stages, but no real regrets.
But in the process, I gained an enormous insight into “real life” and my “real self” and much of that beloved magic just slipped away quietly. I didn’t even notice, really, I was too busy surviving, being an adult. Until I had kids. And then I began to notice the magic of the world again.
Let me explain.
1- I’m no scientist but I have a decent idea of why an airplane flies. Something about velocity of speed, shape of wings and air resistance. I’m close anyways. And even if I’m wrong, I’m right about one thing. It’s not magic. But my kids LOVE airplanes, especially my son. When he was little he called them “birds”. He would see an airplane and squeal “bird!!!!!” with total glee. Now he squeals “airplane”, but no joy has been lost. And even when I’m alone in the car, I find myself watching airplanes with wonder. They really are fantastic, even if they’re logical.
2- Toddlers love to build things and knock them down. It helps them understand the process of doing and undoing. Building with blocks is a prime example. They build the tallest tower they can and then “baam”, they knock it down with joy. Then they giggle and build it again, repeating the process. I know all about how things are built and I understand why some towers stand while others fall. Regardless, the sound of an enormous tower collapsing is a thrill. I don’t even have to pretend when I laugh with my kids. I actually enjoy it.
3- Picnics on a beautiful day. Can anything beat it? The sun is shining and you’ve found a shady spot under a beautiful tree. There’s a gentle breeze and lots of yummy food. I recently took my kids to a local park and had the wisdom to think ahead, pack a lunch that I left in the car. Oh, and I remembered a blanket. Go me. When the kids had finished playing, we went to the car and quickly pulled out the supplies. PB and J sandwiches, juice boxes, chopped up fruit… Anyone who tells me that moment wasn’t magic wasn’t there. I assure you, it was magical. The air felt perfect, I couldn’t have planned it better if I had tried. When my kids think back on their childhood, they are ten times more likely to remember that day (that unplanned, inexpensive day) than any fancy day we have planned for them. I have no doubt.
So I charge you, all of you, to find that missing magic you have lost. It’s what I do every day now. And don’t tell me you haven’t lost it. You have… Maybe it just left so quietly that you didn’t see it go. And when you find it, DO NOT bring it to where you are. GO TO IT! See where it takes you. Trust me. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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